Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I have spent my career improving the lives of workers, and I want to build on that work in Congress. I’ll fight for affordable college and job training, affordable child care and an economic recovery that doesn’t leave anyone behind. I will help working families get on their feet, get back to work, and get the type of good-paying middle-class jobs that used to be available to communities all over Downstate but are harder and harder to come by every year.
How has your district been impacted by the migrant crisis and what do you think should be done?
We need to ensure that everyone who wants to come to this great country, has a viable pathway to becoming a citizen. We must treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve.
What do you think immigration reform in Congress should look like?
We must strengthen our border policy but we also need to ensure that we have a viable pathway to becoming a citizen.
How important is bipartisanship to you and what issues have you worked on across the aisle or with people who don't uniformly share your beliefs?
Bipartisanship is extremely important to me and I will always work with Republicans to get things done. I have worked on the following legislation with my colleagues across the aisle-
- Springfield Race Riot National Historic Monument Act with Darin LaHood (R-IL)
- LEAP Act with Mike Carey (R-OH)
- Tools Tax Deduction Act with Marcus Molinaro (R-NY)
- Rural America Health Corps Act with Diana Harshbarger and David Kustoff (R-TN)
What action, if any, do you want to see next on abortion access after the Dobbs decision?
I am one of the original sponsors of the Women's Health Protection Act (H.R. 12): The Women’s Health Protection Act creates federal rights for patients and providers to protect abortion access. The legislation includes federal protections against state restrictions that undermine Americans’ access to fundamental health care services and intrude upon personal decision-making. The bill would prohibit states from imposing restrictions that jeopardize access to abortion earlier in pregnancy, including many of the state-level restrictions in place prior to Dobbs, such as waiting periods or requirements to provide medically inaccurate information. Later in pregnancy, states cannot limit access to abortion if it would jeopardize the life or health of the mother. The bill also protects the ability to travel out of state for an abortion, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
Did Joe Biden legitimately win the 2020 presidential race?
Yes
Should the United States provide Ukraine with money in its fight against Russia?
Yes
Should the United States provide Ukraine with aid in the form of military supplies?
Yes
Should the U.S. provide Israel with money in its fight against Hamas?
Yes
Should the United States provide Israel with aid in the form of military supplies in its fight against Hamas?
Yes
Should there be a law requiring background checks on all gun sales?
Yes
Should Congress pass a federal law banning semi-automatic assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines to help address gun violence?
Yes